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Overcoming Challenges for International Students Applying for MBBS in Armenian Universities

Getting admission to medical school in India is a competitive affair, with a limited number of seats and the high cost of MBBS, which prevents most students from pursuing their dream career of becoming a doctor. In India, students are motivated to look elsewhere and explore other options for doing their MBBS. So students prefer to pursue MBBS from foreign countries.

Doing an MBBS from Armenia is one of the preferred options among Indian students. Armenia is a country, and previous Soviet republic, in the rocky Caucasus area amongst Asia and Europe. Among the earliest Christian civic establishments, it is characterized by religious destinations including the Greco-Roman Temple of Garni and fourth-century Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the central station of the Armenian Church.

Being home to some of the top universities, Armenia is a great option for studying medicine for Indian students. In Armenia, Indian students get everything they wish for in their medical universities. The fee structure in Armenian universities is affordable, there is good clinical exposure, quality medical education, modern infrastructure, and well-equipped laboratories attracts thousands of students to do MBBS in Armenia. To add to that there is no separate entrance exam to get admission either. The admission procedure for Armenian universities is quite easy and simple. Additionally, the medical universities in Armenia are accredited by leading international bodies including the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) the Foundation for International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), and the Medical councils of leading countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Canada, etc.

That being said, there are still some distinctive challenges that international students face in Armenia. These are

Language hurdles

The local language of Armenia is Armenian which the local population speaks. Although the MBBS syllabus is in the English language in most universities in Armenia, Indian students getting admission to an Armenian university can encounter problems in communication due to language barriers, which is why they are required to learn a second language i.e. Armenian during their stay in the country. Learning Armenian is helpful for students to cope with university life during the duration of their studies. This is also helpful for the students to interact and communicate effectively with fellow students and professors.

Acclimatization to climate

The Armenian weather is a mix of summer and winter. The weather is usually pleasant except for during the winter. The temperature can fall as low as -14 degrees. Indian students who are not used to such low-temperature conditions can feel discomfort. Climate can be one of the reasons that can pose a challenge to Indian students pursuing MBBS in Armenia.

Adapting to the local culture

The Armenian national identity is essentially a cultural one. From the historical depths of its culture and the dispersion of its bearers, it has acquired a richness and diversity rarely achieved within a single national entity, while keeping many fundamental elements that ensure its unity. Its bearers exhibit a strong sense of national identity that sometimes even clashes with the modern concept of the nation-state. It is an identity strongly influenced by the historical experiences of the Armenians. This is why Indian students may face a certain friction in getting acquainted with the local customs and traditions during the initial phase of their MBBS in Armenia.

Duration of MBBS in Armenia.

The duration of MBBS in Armenia is six years. In comparison to MBBS in India, where the duration of MBBS is five years. One extra year for the MBBS degree means adding to the cost of the tuition fee and the cost of living, raising the overall cost of the MBBS degree when opting for Armenia.

Conclusion

In short, MBBS in Armenia offers Indian Students an excellent opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming a doctor. With affordable tuition fees, modern infrastructure, and accreditation by international bodies, Armenia stands out as a favorable destination. However, it is important to recognize the challenges that international students may face while pursuing their higher education in Armenia, whether be it language barriers, getting used to the local climate and culture, and the extended duration of the program. Overcoming these challenges required determination, adaptability, and a proactive attitude from students. As they navigate through these hurdles, the unique experience of studying medicine in Armenia can undoubtedly contribute to their personal and professional development, providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom.